Transformable objects and methods of making same

ABSTRACT

This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus related to a transformable object. In some implementations, a device includes at least three figures, each figure disposed adjacent to two of the other at least three figures, each figure including a surface, and a cavity having an opening that allows access to the cavity, the cavity defined at least in part by the surface. The at least three figures can be attached such that the surface of each of the at least three figures is attached to the surface of its adjacent two figures. Each of the at least three figures can be configured such that any one of the at least three figures can be exposed and the cavity of the exposed figure can conceal the other of the at least three figures, and the concealed figures can be accessed through the opening of the exposed figure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Application No.PCT/US2012/058066, filed, Sep. 28, 2012, which claims the benefit ofU.S. Provisional Application No. 61/541,996, filed Sep. 30, 2011. Thedisclosures of all of the above-referenced applications are consideredpart of, and are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein,this disclosure.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to transformable objects, including articles andplush figures, which can be manually manipulated to expose one or moreof at least three configurations or figures.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED TECHNOLOGY

Objects that have two exposable configurations have been used forseveral wearable items (for example, clothes that can be worn witheither of two sides exposed, double-sided belts, reversible raincoatsand hats), household articles (for example, table cloths and pillows)and toys (for example, transformable robots). In particular,transformable toys can hold a child's interest for many hours due totheir ability to be manipulated to have different configurations. Forexample, Lego's® or Lincoln Logs® having an unlimited number ofconfigurations, and dolls having changeable outfits or accessories. Suchtoys can be interesting and fun because they facilitate a child'simagination and particular desire to use the toy in the way he or shefeels at the moment.

Known transformable objects are limited by the number configurationsthat are possible, the ease and utility of transforming from oneconfiguration to another, and having multiple separate parts that can bemisplaced.

SUMMARY

The devices and methods of the disclosure each have several innovativeaspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for the desirableattributes disclosed herein.

In some implementations, a device comprises three or more differentportions, the device being configured to expose, or make visible to auser or viewer, the three or more different portions of the device, suchthat each portion can be exposed while the other portions are hiddeninside the exposed portion. Each portion of the device can depict afigure or be an object. Accordingly, in some implementations the devicecan include three or more figures, for example, a first figure, a secondfigure, a third figure and a fourth figure, each figure depicting adifferent animal, creature, or object. For example, in someimplementations two or more portions may each depict an animal figure(e.g., a giraffe, a bear, a leopard, a pig, a dog, or a cat) and anotherportion of the device may be a backpack. In some implementations, eachof the three or more portions may depict an animal, a creature(including a human), or an object. For clarity of description, a portionof the device that depicts an animal, a creature or an object may bereferred to herein as a “figure.” Accordingly, each figure (or portion)may include a first surface on one side of a flexible material, and mayalso include items that depict a desired figure. For example, a figuredepicting a cow can include a number of items connected to a firstsurface of a material, including but not limited to horns, eyes, ears,nose, mouth, legs, and a tail. The first surface itself may be selectedto have a design or texture to at least partially depict a desiredfigure.

In some implementations, for example, where the device includes threefigures, a first figure of a device can include a first material havinga first surface and a first cavity having a first opening that allowsaccess to the first cavity, the first cavity defined by said firstmaterial, a second figure including a second surface and a second cavityhaving a second opening that allows access to the second cavity, thesecond cavity defined by said second material, wherein the secondsurface is joined to the first surface forming a first/second surfacecoincident seam. Such a device can include a third figure including athird material having a third surface and a third cavity having a thirdopening that allows access to the third cavity, the third cavity definedby said third material, the third surface is joined to the first surfaceforming a first/third surface coincident seam and the third surface isfurther attached to the second surface forming a second/third surfacecoincident seam, thus resulting in a circular pattern or arrangementwith one common opening location through which all transformations takeplace.

In addition, each of the figures (for example, the first, second andthird figure) each can include a first seam and a second seam where thefigure is joined to an adjacent figure. The joined figures are joined atone or more places along the seam. It can be advantageous to join thefigures along a line at the seam to facilitate smoothly manipulating thetransformation of one figure into another. For the implementation havingthree figures, the first figure's seam can be joined to the adjacentsecond figure's seam, the second figure's seam can be joined to theadjacent third figure's seam, and the third figure's seam can be joinedto the adjacent first figure's seam such that pockets are formed. Insuch a configuration, when several figures are manipulated to be insideof an exposed figure, “pockets” defined by the seam or joined edge oftwo adjacent figures are formed, where the inside surface of each pocketis the surface of a figure that depicts the figure, and edges of thepocket (along the seam where one figure is attached to an adjacentfigure) extend towards the opening of the exposed figure. For animplementation where the device has three figures, the first, second andthird figure are configured such that the second and third figure can beplaced through the first opening and into the first cavity exposing onlythe first surface of the first figure, the first and third figure can beplaced through the second opening and into the second cavity of thesecond figure, and the first and second figure can be placed through thethird opening and into the third cavity of the third figure allowingonly one figure to be exposed and the other figures to be concealedinside the cavity of the exposed figure. It is also possible to join thefigures as described above at a point other than a seam.

Implementations of the pocket configurations described herein keeps thematerial of the concealed figures orderly, grants easy access to aparticular figure that one wants to expose, and facilitates the actionof drawing in the outward figure while simultaneously exposing an inwardfigure when turning inside out. When one figure is exposed and the otherfigures are concealed inside the exposed figure, connected edges of theconcealed figures are proximate to the opening, where on one side ofeach edge resides the surface of one figure and where on the other sideof the edge resides the surface of another adjacent figure. The devicecan be configured such that when viewed through the opening, a userwould see the proximate connected edges and be able to easily andquickly select a figure to expose and change to another figure in onestep. In other words, through the single opening of any one exposedfigure, any of the other figures can be selected directly such that thetoy can be manipulated from one exposed figure to a configuration havingany other figure exposed in one step, that is, without having to exposeanother intermediate figure (for example, placing the device in aconfiguration where another intermediate figure is not contained withinone of the other figures while transforming the device from aconfiguration showing a first figure to a configuration showing a secondfigure.

In some implementations, one or more gussets can be sewn into the sideseams of the figure (or elsewhere as desired) to add depth and increasethe capacity of the toy to hold more internal figures. In someimplementations, a gap filler can be used at a top area and a bottomarea where all figures converge, the gap filler connected to each of thefigures.

In some implementations, the first, second and third openings include afirst and second edge, and wherein the device further includes at leastone set of corresponding fasteners that are disposed on the first or thesecond edge of each of the first, second and third openings. A set ofcorresponding fasteners can include, for example, two parts of afastening means which are connectable. In some implementations, at leastone set of corresponding fasteners are disposed only on the first or thesecond edge of each of the openings. For example, when a figure isexposed, at least one exposed fastener can be disposed on one of theedges of the opening of the exposed figure such that the fastener isexposed (e.g., exposed when it is not connected to its correspondingfastener), and a second corresponding fastener can be disposed alonganother edge of the opening (e.g., on an inner surface of the opening)such that it is not exposed. In some implementations, when thecorresponding fasteners are connected, neither of the connectedfasteners is visible.

Fasteners in the at least one set of corresponding fasteners caninclude, but are not limited to, at least one of a button and abuttonhole, corresponding parts of a snap, Velcro, hooks and loops thatare larger than those used on Velcro, corresponding magnets configuredto connect to each other magnetically, corresponding sides of a zipper,and/or ties (for example, fabric, yarn, or string). One set of fastenerscan be shared between two adjacent figures such that one half of thefastener set is on one figure and it attaches to its other half of thefastener set on the adjacent figure. The figures can be connected in a“circular” pattern; in other words, such that each figure is attached toan adjacent figure, and the “first” figure is attached to the “last”figure. In some implementations, a corresponding fastener is disposedalong the one side of the openings of the first and second figures, onthe first surface of the first figure and on the second surface of thesecond figure, such that the fastener on the first surface aligns withthe fastener on the second surface.

In another aspect of some implementations, the first, second and thirdopenings include a first and second edge, and wherein the device furtherincludes a double-track zipper, or other fastening means that aredisposed on the first or the second edge of each of the first, secondand third openings, such that individual figures may be added or removedto create a custom grouping. For example, an inside zipper track mayattach an individual figure to an adjacent figure, while the outsidetrack may serve as the outer most zipper to close the outward figurethereby concealing the other figures inside. One of skill in the artwill recognize that other ways exist to fasten and detach removablefigures.

In addition, where the device includes removable figures, each of thefigures (for example, the first, second and third figure) can include afirst seam and a second seam and a fastening means, where one figure canbe joined to an adjacent figure. For example, the adjacent figures canbe joined or attached at an inside portion of the figures (for example,an inside seam) where such joining is not visible when the figures isexposed. In some implementations, where the device includes removablefigures, an internal, or external, fastener is used to secure eachfigure to its adjacent figure to create the aforementioned pocketconfigurations. Such fasteners can include but are not limited to, atleast one of a button and a buttonhole, corresponding parts of a snap,Velcro, hooks and loops that are larger than those used on Velcro,corresponding magnets configured to connect to each other magnetically,corresponding sides of a zipper, and/or ties (for example, fabric, yarn,or string). Such fasteners may be placed at seam (e.g., internal orexternal) or at a point other than a seam.

In another aspect of some implementations, the concealed figures can beaccessed through the opening of an exposed figure. In someimplementations, at least one of the figures comprises a backpack, andthe backpack can include at least one carrying strap. In someimplementations, the backpack includes at least one fastener forattaching an article to the backpack. In some implementations, thefastener includes one or more of a loop, a ring, a hook, a strap, and aclip. In some implementations, each of the figures can be configuredwith at least one additional cavity to allow manipulation of the figureas a puppet.

In some implementations, a device comprises at least three figures, eachfigure disposed adjacent to two of the other at least three figures,each figure including a surface, and a cavity having an opening thatallows access to the cavity, the cavity defined at least in part by thesurface. Accordingly, the device can include four, five, six, seven, oreight or more figures. The at least three figures can be attached toform a continuous chain of figures, such that the surface of each of theat least three figures is attached to the surface of its adjacent twofigures to form at least one coincident seam with each of its twoadjacent figures. Each of the at least three figures can be configuredsuch that any one of the at least three figures can be exposed and thecavity of the exposed figure can conceal the other of the at least threefigures, and any of the concealed figures can be accessed through theopening of the exposed one of the at least three figures. In someimplementations, each of the at least three figures can be attached tothe surface of its adjacent two figures to form at least two coincidentseams with each of its two adjacent figures. The device can include atleast one fastener disposed along each of the openings. The device canfurther include at least one fastener disposed on the surface of eachfigure along the openings of the at least three figures, wherein afastener on a surface of a figure corresponds with a fastener on thesurface of an adjacent figure such that the fasteners disposed onsurfaces of adjacent figures can be connected. The device can furtherinclude various types of fastening means.

Another implementation includes a method of entertaining or teachingusing a device having at least three figures, the method includingmanipulating a device to expose a first figure at a first time, eachfigure disposed adjacent to two of the other at least three figures,each figure including a surface and a cavity having an opening thatallows access to the cavity, the cavity defined at least in part by thesurface, wherein the three or more figures are attached to form acontinuous chain of figures, such that the surface of each of the atleast three figures is attached to the surface of its adjacent twofigures to form at least one coincident seam with each of its twoadjacent figures, and wherein each of the three or more figures areconfigured such that any one of the at least three figures can beexposed and the cavity of the exposed figure can conceal the other ofthe three or more figures, and any of the concealed figures can beaccessed through the opening of the exposed one of the at least threefigures; and manipulating the device to expose a second figure. Themethod can further include manipulating the device to expose a thirdfigure. In some implementations of such methods, at least three figuresare exposed at the same time. In some implementations of such methods atleast two of the at least three figures are exposed at the same time. Insome implementations of such methods, only one of the at least threefigures is exposed at any one time. In some implementations of suchmethods, at least one of the at least three figures includes anaccessible cavity that allows manipulation of the figure as a puppet. Insome implementations of such methods, at least two of the at least threefigures includes an accessible cavity that allows manipulation of atleast two of the figures as a puppet. For example, a figure can be adepiction of an animal, and one or more of the animal's head, body,legs, or tail can include a cavity that is accessible through an openingsuch that the different portions of the animal can be manipulated as apuppet. In some implementations, all of the figures are configured withcavities to be operative as puppets.

In another innovation, a device includes at least three figures, each ofthe three figures connected to at least two other figures, the at leastthree figures including a first figure comprising a first materialhaving a first surface which depicts characteristics of the firstfigure, and a second surface opposite the first surface, and a cavityformed when the first figure is configured such that that the secondsurface is inside of a volume defined by the first surface, the secondsurface facing towards the cavity and the first surface facing away fromthe cavity and being exposed to view, the first cavity having an openingthat allows access to the first cavity, a second figure comprising asecond material having a first surface which depicts characteristics ofthe second figure and a second surface opposite the first surface, asecond cavity formed when the second figure is configured such that thatthe second surface of the second figure is inside of a volume defined bythe first surface of the second figure, the second surface of the secondfigure facing towards the second cavity and the first surface of thesecond figure facing away from the second cavity and being exposed toview, the second cavity having an opening that allows access to thesecond cavity, a third figure including a third material having a firstsurface which depicts characteristics of the third figure and a secondsurface opposite the first surface, a third cavity formed when the thirdfigure is configured such that that the second surface of the thirdfigure is inside of a volume defined by the first surface of the thirdfigure, the second surface of the third figure facing towards the thirdcavity and the first surface of the third figure facing away from thethird cavity and being exposed to view, the third cavity having anopening that allows access to the third cavity.

The first surfaces of the at least three figures may be joined to twoadjacent figures of the at least three figures resulting in a circularpattern with one common opening location through which transformationsfrom one figure to another figure takes place. The device may beconfigured such that the one figure can be exposed and all of the otherat least three figures can be placed into the cavity of the exposedfigure to be concealed inside the cavity of the exposed figure through asingle opening.

In another innovation a device includes at least three figures, eachfigure disposed adjacent to two of the other at least three figures,each figure including a surface, and a cavity having an opening thatallows access to the cavity, the cavity defined at least in part by thesurface. The at least three figures are attached to form a continuous,circular chain of figures, such that the surface of each of the at leastthree figures is attached to the surface of its adjacent two figures toform at least one coincident seam with each of its two adjacent figures,and the device is configured such that when figure is exposed and theother figures are inside of the exposed figure, edges where adjacentfigures are joined together are oriented in the same direction anddisposed proximate to the opening of the exposed figure such that any ofthe concealed figures can be accessed through the opening of the exposedone of the at least three figures.

Details of one or more implementations of the subject matter describedin this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and thedescription below. Other features, aspects, and advantages will becomeapparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. Note thatthe relative dimensions of the following figures may not be drawn toscale.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the external surface of a first figure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the external surface of a second figure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the external surface of a third figure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the external surface of a fourth figure.

FIG. 4A illustrates the orientation of the openings and connected edgesof figures that are inside of the exposed fourth figure.

FIG. 5 is a top down perspective view of the external surfaces of FIGS.1, 2, 3 and 4 after the external surfaces have been sewn togethermid-phase; illustrating the side seams on each surface, as well as a topgap filler.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the external surface of the secondfigure of the present invention illustrating two seams, one on eachside, including a gusset.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the internal surfaces of FIGS. 1, 2, 3and 4 prior to the internal surfaces being sewn or tacked together.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one of the pockets created during thelatter phase of development after the inside seams or points are joined.

FIG. 9 is a transparent perspective view of FIG. 1 illustrating the 3inside pockets containing each of the three different figures inside thefirst figure, FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, respectfully;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the fastening methodology wherein theone half of a corresponding fastener set is placed on the left side ofeach figure, and each secures to the other one half of the correspondingfastener set on the adjacent figure.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view further illustrating the fasteningmethodology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description is directed to certainimplementations for the purposes of describing the innovative aspects.However, the teachings herein can be applied in a multitude of differentways. The aspects of the implementations described herein can beincorporated in many devices, including, but not limited to, householdarticles, wearable items, and toys, for example, clothing, hats, bagsand packs, toys, pillows, quilts, puppets, and plush figures. Thus, theteachings are not intended to be limited to the implementations depictedsolely in the Figures, but instead have wide applicability as will bereadily apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art.

For clarity of the description, the words “Figures,” (having acapitalized “F” and in bold) “FIG.,” and “FIGS.” are used herein todescribe one or more of the drawings (e.g., FIGS. 1-11) of thisdisclosure, while the words “figure” or “figures” having a lowercase “f”are used to describe a particular configuration of the transformableobject (or device) that has a certain appearance, for example, a horse,a bear, or a giraffe. In addition, for clarity of the description, asused herein “figure” can also refer to an appearance or a configurationof an article, device, or object (all of which can be used in thisdisclosure interchangeably) for example, a transformable household item,article, toy, or clothing.

Certain implementations include a self-containing, transformable plushtoy incorporating a plurality of interconnected plush toy figures thatcan be selectively interchanged with one another to reveal one toy at atime while concealing the others from view. While this disclosuregenerally describes the invention in relation to a toy, the aspects ofthe invention described herein can be applied to a wide variety ofarticles, objects, and devices.

In some implementations, of particular significance is that the toycomprises three or more interconnected plush figures, and that numbercan be increased to four (4), five (5), or even more figures providingthe ability to selectively choose one figure from among many. Therefore,there is not a one to one relationship (for example, only convertingback and forth between two figures) but rather a one (1) to manyrelationship.

In some implementations, of particular significance is the processemployed to configure the present toy providing a method and aconfiguration of joining (for example, sewing or gluing) three or morefigures together in a circular and repeating pattern that connects allof the figures together. This configuration can allow the toy tomechanically function to bring out, or expose, one figure at a timewhile bringing inside of the exposed figure, or concealing, the othertwo or more figures.

Also of particular significance, in some implementations, is the toy'sself-containing feature. It can have an outward figure, such as abackpack or treasure chest, which is connected to the inner plush toysin such a way that they cannot be separated, and each can beinterchanged to reveal one toy at a time while concealing the othersfrom view. In other words, the backpack or treasure chest functions as acontainer and can be interchanged with any of the selected plush toysinside, and can then be changed back again. In this way, the toys “putthemselves away” into the backpack or treasure chest. Having an outwardappearance of a backpack or treasure chest presents an element of fun byconcealing what is inside, keeping them secret. Similarly, the outwardfigure can be a fishbowl, an aquarium, a barn, a house, or an eggcontaining related creatures inside, and is only limited by thedesigner's imagination. It should be noted that the outward figurecontaining the other figures may be comprised simply of three or moreanimal, human, or inanimate figures. For example, the toy can comprise acow, horse, pig, and sheep. Many such product line ideas exist such asthat for farm animals, zoo animals, ocean creatures, sports figures,bugs and insects, fantasy/monster, to name a few. The feature of the toycomprising three or more figures presents a child with an element ofanticipation and surprise each time one figure is interchanged withanother.

In some implementations, also of particular significance is the abilityto attach accessories, such as a pouch or cup holder, to any or all ofthe figures for added functionality. For example, a pouch can bezippered onto the back of a figure to bring supplies to school, takealong snacks on a trip, or certain personal effects. Another example ofan accessory is a fastening device placed anywhere on a figure, such asa paw, which would allow a child to attach the toy to an existing objectsuch as a stroller, bedrail, or existing backpack. This mechanismprovides the ability to also attach non-functional accessories as wellfor added play value such as attaching a baby animal onto the back of ananimal figure. In this manner, not only does the toy function as acontainer for the other toys as described above, the toy also serves asa vehicle onto which other things can attach, thereby creatingadditional functionality.

In some implementations, also of particular significance is the abilityto add sound, light and/or motion functionality to any or all figuressuch that when a figure is selected and is exposed, for example, asound, light and/or motion can play when an opening that provides accessto the multiple figures is opened, or when an opening is closed. In someembodiments, each figure can be configured to produce a sound, lightand/or motion whether or not it is exposed. In implementations where twoor more figures can be exposed at one time, each of the exposed figurescan emit a sound, light and/or motion. It is understood that sound,light and/or motion can also be added to any other part of the toy.

In certain implementations, a transformable toy including of three ormore exposable figures provides for a means to teach about change ordiversity. For example, a toy can comprise figures that are shaped,decorated and/or dressed to reflect different:

-   -   moods or emotions such as happy, sad, angry, or excited, so that        a child can convey what he or she is feeling;    -   seasons of spring, summer, fall and winter;    -   times of day such as morning, afternoon or evening;    -   cultures and ethnicity;    -   activities such as going to school, going swimming, or going        fishing;    -   events such as marriage, graduating;    -   professions such as a veterinarian, doctor, dentist;    -   stages of a lifecycle such as the metamorphosis of a        caterpillar, cocoon, butterfly;    -   sports teams such as the Boston Red Sox or the San Diego        Chargers, including a team's mascot;    -   plays of a sports game such as defense, offense and time-out        which can be interchanged to support plays during a game;    -   religions, for example but not limited to Catholicism and        Hinduism;    -   different parts of a trip, going by boat, car, plane, or train;    -   political affiliations such as democrats, republicans, tea        party, or libertarians; and    -   extinct animals, growing the product line as animals become        extinct.

In some implementations, a toy including three or more figures providesa means for engaging in storytelling whereby the figures can beinterchanged to depict the figures in a story as it is being told. Forexample, Goldilocks and The Three Bears, Little Red Riding Hood, the bigbad wolf, and grandma.

In some implementations, also of particular significance is the featureof the toy having an opening whereby it interchanges into anotherfigure. This opening allows the figures to also exist as puppets andprovides a means to put on a puppet show having only one toy.

It is important to note that embodiments of the present inventionextends beyond plush toys into other areas such as therapeutics,cleaning, décor, and fashion.

Embodiments of interchanging multiple figures using the disclosed sewingmethod can be used for therapeutics such as hand rehabilitation as itemploys a manual dexterity component. In some implementations, figureshaving different emotions displayed can also be used in psychotherapysessions for a patient to express him or herself.

Implementations using the disclosed sewing method can be used forcleaning cloths for home, car, boat, or elsewhere. It provides manysurfaces to be interchanged thus creating more clean surfaces forextended use and keeping hands cleaner longer. In other implementations,the disclosed fastening method for connecting the figures can be usedfor decorative pillows, pillow cases, or cushion covers. In otherimplementations, the disclosed fastening method for connecting thefigures can be used for fashion such as for purses, hats and scarves,among other items. In yet other implementations, the disclosed fasteningmethod for connecting the figure can be used for any such pliable itemwhere one desires an economical way to interchange that item intoanother item to give a new look.

Referring now to an example of one embodiment in more detail, in FIGS.1, 2, 3 and 4 there is shown the present interchangeable ortransformable (device) toy 10 that includes three or more figures, inparticular in this example four figures. FIG. 1 is a perspective viewone implementation of a first figure 12 of the toy 10. In theillustrated implementation, the first figure 12 is in the form of abackpack. The toy 10 also includes a second figure 20 (illustrated inFIG. 2) in the form of (or depicting) a bear. The toy 10 also includes athird figure 30 (illustrated in FIG. 3) in the form of a giraffe. Thetoy 10 also includes a fourth figure 40 (illustrated in FIG. 4) in theform of a horse.

It should be well understood that the backpack, bear, giraffe, and horseillustrated in the drawings are merely exemplary of a first figure(e.g., figure 12), a second figure (e.g., figure 20), a third figure(e.g., figure 30), and a fourth figure (e.g., figure 40), and that otherfigures can be readily envisioned. In addition, other implementations ofa transformable device can include three figures, or more than fourfigures, for example, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten figures, ormore than ten figures.

The features and appendages of each figure can be totally independent ofthe other so the nature of the figures is limited only by the designer'simagination.

Referring in more detail to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, the first figure 12 isshown including a material having a shaped first surface 13 that is anexternal surface of figure 12 when figure 12 is exposed (or not disposedwithin another figure such as to be in a hidden state). As discussedabove, this external surface 13 can take substantially any configurationor shape desired. In the example shown, the first figure 12 includesstraps 14, and a carrying handle 15. The first figure 12 includes anopening 16 in a portion of the first surface 13, and a right externalsurface edge 17 and a left external surface edge 18 which define theedges of the opening 16. Exposed first figure 12 also includes aninternal cavity 19. The opening 16 is provided for access to theinternal cavity 19, where the other figures can reside when first figure12 is exposed. The cavity is formed within the first surface 13 suchthat a surface (not shown) on the opposite side of the material from thefirst surface 13 is disposed proximate to the cavity. In FIG. 1, afastener may be disposed on the right and left surface edges 17 and 18such that corresponding parts of the fastener are on opposite edges andcan be used to close the opening 16.

One implementation of a second figure 20 is illustrated in FIG. 2. Thesecond figure 20 includes a material having a shaped first surface 21that is an external surface of the figure 20 when the second figure isexposed (in other words, not disposed inside of another figure). Thefirst surface 21 may be provided in any desired shape, for example, todepict a creature or an object. In the example shown, the second figure20 includes items attached to the first surface 21 to further depict adesired figure, for example, a bear having a head 22, a torso 23, andlimbs 24. In this implementation, the figure 20 includes an opening 25in a portion of the first surface 21 (here, the torso 23). The opening25 in the first surface 21 includes a right (external) surface edge 26and a left (external) surface edge 27. The exposed figure 20 alsoincludes a cavity 28 which can be accessed through the opening 25. Thecavity is formed within the first surface 21 such that a surface (notshown) on the opposite side of the material from the first surface 21 isdisposed proximate to the cavity. In FIG. 2, a fastener is disposed onthe right and left surface edges 26 and 27 such that corresponding partsof the fastener are on opposite edges and can be used to close theopening 25.

The third figure 30 is illustrated in FIG. 3. Figure 30 includes amaterial having a shaped first surface 31 that is an external surface ofthe figure 30 when the third figure is exposed (in other words, notdisposed inside of another figure). The first surface 31 may be providedin any desired shape, for example, to depict a creature or an object. Inthe example shown, the third figure 30 includes items attached to thefirst surface 31 to further depict a desired figure, for example, agiraffe having a head 32, a torso 33, and limbs 34. In thisimplementation, the figure 30 includes an opening 35 in a portion of thefirst surface 31 (here, the torso 33). The opening 35 in the firstsurface 31 includes a right (external) surface edge 36 and a left(external) surface edge 37. The exposed figure 30 also includes a cavity38 which can be accessed through the opening 35. The cavity is formedwithin the first surface 31 such that a surface (not shown) on theopposite side of the material from the first surface 31 is disposedproximate to the cavity. In FIG. 3, a fastener is disposed on the rightand left surface edges 36 and 37 such that corresponding parts of thefastener are on opposite edges and can be used to close the opening 35.

The fourth figure 40 is illustrated in FIG. 4. Figure 40 includes amaterial having a shaped first surface 41 that is an external surface ofthe figure 40 when the fourth figure 40 is exposed (in other words, notdisposed inside of another figure). The first surface 41 may be providedin any desired shape, for example, to depict a creature or an object. Inthe example shown, the fourth figure 40 includes items attached to thefirst surface 41 to further depict a desired figure, for example, ahorse having a head 42, a torso 43, and limbs 44. In thisimplementation, the fourth figure 40 includes an opening 45 in a portionof the first surface 41 (here, the torso 43). The opening 45 in thefirst surface 41 includes a right (external) surface edge 46 and a left(external) surface edge 47. The exposed figure 40 also includes a cavity48 which can be accessed through the opening 45. The cavity is formedwithin the first surface 41 such that a surface (not shown) on theopposite side of the material from the first surface 41 is disposedproximate to the cavity. In FIG. 3, a fastener is disposed on the rightand left surface edges 46 and 47 such that corresponding parts of thefastener are on opposite edges and can be used to close the opening 45.

FIG. 4A illustrates an example implementation of the configuration andorientation of the openings and connected edges of figures that areinside of the exposed fourth figure. In more detail, still referring toFIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4, and also to FIG. 4A, a device including figures 12,20, 30 and 40 is configured such that figures 12, 20, 30 and 40 arejoined together in such a manner that when one of the figures 12, 20, 30and 40 is exposed and the other of the figures are disposed inside theexposed figures, the openings 16, 25, 35 and 45 are forward facing toeach other and aligned such that the opening 16, 25, 35 and 45 all areoriented in the same direction. For example, in some implementations theopening 16, 25, 35 and 45 may be all facing outwards in the back of anexposed figure that depicts an animal, and in other implementations theopening 16, 25, 35 and 45 are all facing outwards from the front of thetorso of an exposed figure depicting an animal (e.g., as illustrated inFIGS. 2, 3, and 4). Also, now referring to FIG. 4A, the fourth figure 40is shown from a front view illustrating an opening 45 in the torso ofthe fourth figure 40 between the right surface edge 46 and the leftsurface edge 47. The first, second, and third figures 12, 20, and 30 arevisible through the opening 45, each of the figures inside the exposedfigure 40 being folded back into a pocket, the edges of the pockets 101,103, 105 and 107 being oriented in the same direction and proximate tothe surface of the exposed fourth figure 40. The fourth figure 40 isjoined to the third figure 30 are joined at edge 101. The third figure30 is joined to the second figure 20 at edge 103. The second figure 20is joined to the first figure 12 at edge 105. The first figure 12 isjoined to the fourth figure 40 at edge 107. As described herein, thefigures may also be joined at other points as well. The right surfaceedge 46 and the left surface edge 47 can be fastened together to concealfigures 12, 20, and 30 inside the fourth figure 40. When the right andleft surface edges 46 and 47 are not joined together (as illustrated inFIG. 4A) the edges 101, 103, 105, and 107 are oriented outward or distalfrom the center of the exposed figure 40. The device having such aconfiguration is advantageous because it allows easy access to any ofthe concealed figures such that one figure can be transformed to anotherfigure without having to expose an intermediate figure.

Further describing this configuration, the device is configured suchthat the edges of an opening of an exposed figure are on opposite sidesof the edges of the openings of the two or more figures that aredisposed within the cavity of the exposed figure. For figures 12, 20, 30and 40, the right external surface edges 17, 26, 36 and 46 and leftexternal surface edges 18, 27, 37 and 47 of figures 12, 20, 30 and 40are joined along the aligned openings by a seam 62 that extends alongeach aligned opening, and is denoted by a #, ˜, o, or x for illustrationpurposes. Specifically, the right external surface edge 17 (denoted ˜)of figure 12 is sewn to the left external surface edge 47 (denoted ˜) offigure 40. The right external surface edge 46 (denoted o) of figure 40is sewn to the left external surface edge 37 (denoted o) of figure 30.The right external surface edge 36 (denoted #) of figure 30 is sewn tothe left external surface edge 27 (denoted #) of figure 20. The rightexternal surface edge 26 (denoted x) of figure 20 is sewn to the leftexternal surface edge 18 (denoted x) of figure 12. In someimplementations, the final figure may be sewn only to the point at whichthe device can be turned inside out, after which time the stitching canbe completed. An important aspect is the ability to use the describedabove configuration of fasteners disposed on adjacent figures tocontinue the pattern to add additional figures to the device or toy.

In some implementations where there is an odd number of figures (e.g.,three, five, seven, nine), an additional fastening means can be disposedon one edge of the “last” figure to connect with the fastening meansdisposed on one edge of the “first” figure, the “last” figure referringto the last figure that is being connected to an adjacent figure in aseries of joined figures such that “last” figure connects to the “first”figure that was connected to an adjacent figure. One of skill in the artwill appreciate that there are many other ways to connect the first andlast figure in light of the above disclosure, including but not limitedto using fastening means of different sizes, configurations, or types.For example, with an odd number of figures, an opening edge of the firstfigure can include a fastener that includes combination of Velcro hooksand loops, and an opening edge of the last figure can also include afattener that includes a combination of Velcro hooks and loops such thatwhen the fasteners are pushed together at least some of the Velcro hooksand loops of both fasteners are connected.

FIG. 5 illustrates figures 12, 20, 30 and 40 simultaneously exposedwhile at mid-phase. Seams 63 are illustrated on the periphery of eachfigure's torso, one seam on each side. The device can include a gapfiller 65 disposed at a position where the figures converge, forexample, the position can be at the top of the device where the heads ofall the figures converge as illustrated in FIG. 5. The device can alsoinclude a bottom gap filler (not shown) that is disposed on the oppositeside of the device also at a position where the figures of the devicecome together or converge. In some implementations, the figures arejoined together as outward facing rather than inward facing. In someimplementations, the positioning of the head, body or other parts can bearranged in any manner, head up, head down, sideways, forwards orbackwards.

FIG. 6 illustrates an implementation of the seams 63 on torso 23 offigure 20, each of which will be joined internally, and/or externally,to an adjacent figure. In some implementations, the device includes anadditional piece of material, for example, gusset 64, which is joinedinto the side seams of the toy body of figure 20 to add depth andincrease the capacity of the figure to hold more figures within thecavity of figure 20. Each figure, while joined together, is then turnedinside out and the seams of adjacent figures are joined as illustratedin FIG. 7. The straps 14, carrying handle 15, heads 22, 23 and 24,torsos 32, 33 and 34, and limbs 42, 43 and 44 of figures 12, 20, 30 and40, respectively, are not shown for clarity purposes. Specifically, theright seam 49 of figure 12 adjacent to the left seam 50 of figure 20 aresewn together 51. The right seam 52 of figure 20 adjacent to the leftseam 53 of figure 30 are sewn together 54. The right seam 55 of figure30 adjacent to the left seam 56 of figure 40 are sewn together 57. Theright seam 58 of figure 40 adjacent to the left seam 59 of figure 12 aresewn together 60. The figures are then turned right side out. Thisdescribes one method as to how the pockets can be formed. In someimplementations, other points, internal or external, can be chosen tobind adjacent figures together to form a series of at least two pocketswhen one figure is exposed and the other figures are disposed within theexposed figure. For example, in addition to joining adjacent figuresalong an edge of the material that comprises each of the figures (forexample, the external surface edges discussed hereinabove), in someimplementations a first portion of material that forms the surfacedepicting of a figure can be joined to a second portion of material thatforms the surface of an adjacent figure. In such implementations, thefirst and second portions can be joined at a single point, at severalpoints, and/or along a line, in addition to being joined at one or moreseams. The first and second portion of material can each be joined on asurface that is not depicting a figure, that is, the joined portions canbe hidden from sight within the device between adjacently positionedfigures. Such joining of material can be advantageous to facilitate thetransformation of one figure to another because when the material of onefigure moves the joined material also moves and the material of adjacentfigures is correspondingly movable. In such implementations, a largerportion of the material of adjacent figures stays conformed to eachother (for example, the material that is disposed along the openings ofa figure) which can enhance the shape of the device and by addingconnectivity between adjacent figures.

Accordingly, in some implementations, each figure has at least two seamswhere the figure is connected internally to its adjacent figures, forexample two seams. These second seams define edges of pockets that arecreated when one figure is exposed and the other figures are concealedwithin the exposed figure, the pockets being the surface of each(inverted) concealed figure. This configuration keeps the material ofthe concealed figures orderly, and facilitates easy access to aparticular figure that one wants to expose. For example, in such aconfiguration, when one figure is exposed and the other figures areconcealed inside the exposed figure, the connected edges of theconcealed figures are proximate to the opening, where on one side ofeach edge resides the surface of one figure and where on the other sideof the edge resides the surface of another adjacent figure. When viewedthrough the opening, a user would see the proximate edges and be able toeasily and quickly select a figure to expose and change to anotherfigure in one step. In other words, through the single opening of anyone exposed figure, any of the other figures can be selected directlysuch that the toy can be manipulated to go from one exposed figure toany other exposed figure in one step. Accordingly, one advantage ofthese implementations is that when any of the figures is exposed, theedges of the concealed figures that define their openings when each oneis exposed is proximate to the opening of the exposed figure such thatall of the openings are in the same location and accessible.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one of the pockets created during thelatter phase of development after the inside seams are joined. The abovedescribed sewing method has created a pocket 61 for each figure whereineach figure is folded into the adjacent figure's pocket as illustratedin FIG. 8, wherein the inside seam 63 is shown. Specifically, the rightside of first figure 12 (not visible) is folded into the left side offigure 40 creating a pocket, leaving the left side of figure 12 exposed.Any of the figures can have at least one appendage, however, suchexamples of appendages of figures 12, 20, 30 and 40 are not shown forclarity purposes.) Similarly, the right side of figure 40 (not visible)is folded into the left side of figure 30, the right side of figure 30(not visible) is folded into the left side of figure 20, and the rightside of figure 20 (not visible) is folded into the left side of firstfigure 12. The remaining ¼ of the fabric of each figure is sewn closed.

FIG. 9 is a transparent perspective view of FIG. 1 illustrating the 3inside pockets containing each of the three different figures inside thefirst figure, FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, respectfully. Once assembled, figure 12can be selected as the outward figure containing figures 20, 30 and 40inside. To select figure 12 as the outward figure, the pocket of figure20 is turned inside out into the right side of figure 12. The pocket offigure 30 is turned inside out and placed into the right side of figure12. The pocket of figure 40 is placed into the left side of figure 12.This method allows the toy to be arranged in its proper form.

To select any other figure, the left-hand thumb and right-hand thumb areplaced into cavities 28, 38 or 48 of figure 20, 30 or 40, respectivelyand the figure is inverted outward through the opening. In doing so,figure 20, 30 or 40 is pushed through the opening, causing the outwardfigure to be drawn inside.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the fastening methodology wherein theone half of a corresponding fastener set is placed on the left side ofeach figure, and each secures to the other one half of the correspondingfastener set on the adjacent figure. In this example, only two fastenersare needed for the four figures because one figure shares the two partsof a fastener set with the adjacent figure. For example, if fastener 1Ais a hook(s), fastener 1B can be a loop(s), fastener 2A can be ahook(s), and fastener 2B can be a loop(s). FIG. 10 also illustrates thateach of the three of more figures 12, 20, 40, and 30 are joined to anadjacent figures, and the “last” figure (e.g., figure 30) is joined tothe “first” figure (e.g., figure 12) to form a circular configuration.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view further illustrating the fasteningmethodology. Fastener 1A of figure 12 is fastened to fastener 1B offigure 40; fastener 1B of figure 40 is fastened to fastener 2A of figure30; fastener 2A of figure 30 is fastened to 2B of figure 20; fastener 2Bof figure 20 is fastened to fastener 1A of figure 12.

The figures need only be similar enough in size, or appropriate materialused, to allow all of the figures to be contained in the outward(exposed) figure. For example, in the illustrations given, the torso ofeach animal need only be large enough in size to accommodate theappendages of all figures inside. In this instance, the shape is roughlythat of a sphere and follows the formula V=4/3πr³ such that theappendages and surfaces of the figures inside an outward exposed figurefill a certain volume and this volume can be divided by the number offigures inside to approximate the size requirement of thesurfaces/appendages based on the radius of the outward figure. It isunderstood that any shape is possible.

It will be understood that the figures of the interchangeable plush toymay represent animal, human or inanimate objects of various shapes,colors, textures, forms and configurations, all of which are referred toherein as “figures.”

It is further understood that plush toy refers to a toy assembled fromcloth, plush or other textiles, and is also known as a stuffed toy, softtoy, or cuddly toy.

The figures of the present invention may be made of other materials suchas soft plastics, rubber-like materials, or any other materials. Theonly limitation is that the material be pliable.

The term toy is used loosely in that the toy may also be used foreducational or therapeutic purposes in addition to play orentertainment.

Figures inside the toy are not limited to orientation and can beoriented head to head, head to tail, or in any other manner.

Manual manipulation allows the figures to be interchanged back andforth, or to any other figure contained therein (not necessarilysequentially).

The figures can share a common bond at any point on the figure (e.g.,top, bottom, stomach, back, or elsewhere).

The features of each figure can be totally independent of the other sothe nature of the figures is limited only by the designer's imagination.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one ofordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be thebest mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand andappreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents ofthe specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The inventionshould therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment,method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within thescope and spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device, comprising: at least three figures,each of the three figures connected to at least two other figures, theat least three figures including a first figure comprising a firstmaterial having a first surface which depicts characteristics of thefirst figure, and a second surface opposite the first surface, a cavityformed when the first figure is configured such that the second surfaceis inside of a volume defined by the first surface, the second surfacefacing towards the cavity and the first surface facing away from thecavity and being exposed to view, the first cavity having an openingthat allows access to the first cavity; a second figure comprising asecond material having a first surface which depicts characteristics ofthe second figure and a second surface opposite the first surface, asecond cavity formed when the second figure is configured such that thatthe second surface of the second figure is inside of a volume defined bythe first surface of the second figure, the second surface of the secondfigure facing towards the second cavity and the first surface of thesecond figure facing away from the second cavity and being exposed toview, the second cavity having an opening that allows access to thesecond cavity; a third figure comprising a third material having a firstsurface which depicts characteristics of the third figure and a secondsurface opposite the first surface, a third cavity formed when the thirdfigure is configured such that that the second surface of the thirdfigure is inside of a volume defined by the first surface of the thirdfigure, the second surface of the third figure facing towards the thirdcavity and the first surface of the third figure facing away from thethird cavity and being exposed to view, the third cavity having anopening that allows access to the third cavity; wherein the firstsurfaces of the at least three figures are joined to two adjacentfigures of the at least three figures resulting in a circular patternwith one common opening location through which transformations from onefigure to another figure takes place, wherein the device is configuredsuch that the one figure can be exposed and all of the other at leastthree figures can be placed into the cavity of the exposed figure to beconcealed inside the cavity of the exposed figure through a singleopening.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein each opening of the first,second and third figures includes a first edge and second edge disposedalong at least a portion of the opening, and wherein the device furtherincludes at least one set of corresponding fasteners that are disposedon the first and second edges of the openings.
 3. The device of claim 2,wherein the corresponding fasteners comprise one of: a button and abuttonhole, a snap, hooks and loops, magnets, a tie and a zipper.
 4. Thedevice of claim 2, wherein a corresponding fastener of the at least oneset of corresponding fasteners is disposed on one side of the openingsof the first and second figures on the first surface of the first figureand on the second surface of the second figure, such that the fasteneron the first surface aligns with the fastener on the second surface. 5.The device of claim 1, wherein any of the concealed figures can beaccessed through the opening of an exposed figure.
 6. The device ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of the at least three or more figurescomprises a backpack having a carrying strap and at least one fastenerfor attaching an article to the backpack.
 7. The device of claim 6,wherein the at least one fastener comprises one or more of a loop, aring, a hook, a strap, and a clip.
 8. The device of claim 1, furthercomprising one or more gussets disposed in at least one of the figures.9. A device, comprising: at least three figures, each figure disposedadjacent to two of the other at least three figures, each figureincluding a surface, and a cavity having an opening that allows accessto the cavity, the cavity defined at least in part by the surface;wherein the at least three figures are attached to form a continuous,circular chain of figures, such that the surface of each of the at leastthree figures is attached to the surface of its adjacent two figures toform at least one coincident seam with each of its two adjacent figures,and wherein the device is configured such that when figure is exposedand the other figures are inside of the exposed figure, edges whereadjacent figures are joined together are oriented in the same directionand disposed proximate to the opening of the exposed figure such thatany of the concealed figures can be accessed through the opening of theexposed one of the at least three figures.
 10. The device of claim 9,wherein each of the at least three figures is attached to the surface ofits adjacent two figures to form at least two coincident seams with eachof its two adjacent figures.
 11. The device of claim 9, furthercomprising at least one fastener disposed along each of the openings.12. The device of claim 9, further comprising at least one fastenerdisposed on the surface of each figure along the openings of the atleast three figures, wherein a fastener on a surface of a figurecorresponds with a fastener on the surface of an adjacent figure suchthat the fasteners disposed on surfaces of adjacent figures can beconnected.
 13. A method of entertaining or teaching, the methodcomprising: manipulating a device to expose a first figure at a firsttime, the device including at least three figures, each figure disposedadjacent to two of the other three or more figures, each figureincluding a surface and a cavity having an opening that allows access tothe cavity, the cavity defined at least in part by the surface, whereinthe at least three figures are attached to form a continuous chain offigures, such that the surface of each of the at least three figures isattached to the surface of its adjacent two figures to form at least onecoincident seam with each of its two adjacent figures, and wherein eachof the at least three figures are configured such that any one of the atleast three figures can be exposed and the cavity of the exposed figurecan conceal the other of the at least three figures, and any of theconcealed figures can be accessed through the opening of the exposed oneof the at least three figures; and manipulating the device to expose asecond figure.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprisingmanipulating the device to expose a third figure.
 15. The method ofclaim 13 wherein the at least three figures are exposed at the sametime.
 16. The method of claim 13, wherein at least two of the at leastthree figures are exposed at the same time.
 17. The method of claim 13,wherein only one of the at least three figures is exposed at any onetime.
 18. A device, comprising: a first figure including a first surfaceand a first cavity having a first opening that allows access to thefirst cavity, the first cavity defined by said first surface; a secondfigure including a second surface and a second cavity having a secondopening that allows access to the second cavity, the second cavitydefined by said second surface, wherein the second surface is attachedto the first surface forming a first/second surface coincident seam; athird figure including a third surface and a third cavity having a thirdopening that allows access to the third cavity, the third cavity definedby said third surface, wherein the third surface is attached to thefirst surface forming a first/third surface coincident seam and thethird surface is further attached to the second surface forming asecond/third surface coincident seam, resulting in a circular patternwith one common opening location through which all transformations ofmanipulating the device to expose a first figure while concealing all ofthe other figures within the one figure and exposing a second figurewhile concealing all of the other figures within the second figure takeplace, wherein the first, second and third figure are configured suchthat the second and third figure can be placed through the first openingand into the first cavity exposing only the first surface of the firstfigure, the first and third figure can be placed through the secondopening and into the second cavity of the second figure, and the firstand second figure can be placed through the third opening and into thethird cavity of the third figure allowing only one figure to be exposedand the other figures to be concealed inside the cavity of the exposedfigure.